Hello all, I'm new here. First time posting. the check engine light came on 2 days ago, out of nowhere. I did some checking online and read that it could be something about the air getting to the engine, {among numerous other things}. I figured maybe I just need to replace my air filter. Checked the filter and it was dirty but not horrible. I don't think it has ever been changed, I decided to go to an auto parts store to have them check it with their diagnostic tool. When I left for the parts store, the light was no longer on. While I was at the store, I bought a new filter and installed it. Light is no longer on. My question is can a dirty air filter cause the check engine light to go on?

 

There isn't enough information to conclude that an air filter was your issue. You will need to provide the vehicle details (year, engine, etc.,) and the trouble code. There a number of conditions that can set a check engine light, and it's a guess as to what it is without knowing the code.

To answer the question, on some applications there is a specific trouble code on these vehicles:
P1548 - Engine Air Filter Restriction

 

Don't think it matters, but I own a 2018 F-150 Larriet with an 8 cylinder engine.

 

If you want a good answer, it does matter. There are too many possible reasons to even guess why the check engine light is on without knowing the code. However, as stated, there is a specific code when the system detects what appears to be a severely clogged air filter. I have some doubts that was your code, though.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I don't have a trouble code because I didn't end up having the auto store check it because the light was off by the time I got there. It just seemed odd to me that the light would go off after I just opened the filter cover, took out the filter and replaced it.

 

Happens all the time for a variety of reasons. You can still have the stored code checked. Doubtful it would be your engine air filter unless it was really packed with dirt. The most common cause for the check engine light to come on used to be a loose gas cap; that's less likely, but not impossible, with capless fuel fillers.

 

Like previously stated, if the check engine light was on, there still should be a stored/history trouble code even if it's currently off. You said you had the auto store scan for codes. What was the result?

Trouble code can have different methods for clearing, after the fault is no longer detected.

 

Epic

 

Mine came on once, but not on my F150. I had an wheel aligment done on my Silverado. I wish they would just do the service and not check/mess with anything else, and try to sell me stuff I know I don't need. But they failed to tighten the air filter cover screws all the way. 3 miles later, my CEL came on. Opened the hood when I got home, and could see two of the bolts on the airbox were backed way out. Once they were secured again, CEL was out after driving a few miles.

 

time will tell